the North of Scotland Schools Debating Competition

Whilst ghosts and ghouls haunted the hall at the S1 and S2 Halloween disco, Thursday night also saw twelve pupils from six Highland schools come together for the third and final round of the North of Scotland Schools Debating Competition.

Morvern Carmichael and Samantha Cochrane opened for Charleston Academy, and the opposition, arguing against the motion ‘This house believes our right to a private life is under serious threat’. They were supported in this stance by Forres Academy and Glen Urquhart High School. Portree High School, Fortrose High School, and Nairn Academy combined to form the proposition.

Thorough preparation, and strong performances at the podium, ultimately led to another well deserved victory for Morvern and Samantha. They both received outstanding feedback from the presiding judge, and Samantha was declared speaker of the night.

The North of Scotland Schools Debating Competition operates on a league based system — across three rounds — with points awarded to the top teams in each debate. Morvern and Samantha excelled throughout events, performing consistently well; they were second in the opening debate, and won the following two. They have therefore qualified for the final which will be held at Albyn School in Aberdeen on November 24th. They will oppose the motion ‘This house deplores the tourism of today.’